Viola Concerto In G - Viola/Piano

Set of performance parts

By Georg Philipp Telemann

Both slow movements include copious ornamentation. I don't object to this in theory, but the ornaments are all written out rather than indicated symbolically. (symbols are used in the piano score, but not the solo part) The result is a messy viola part that could easily intimidate a student...

. Fast movements are fine. Never thought I'd say this, but I actually prefer the international edition to this one.

This is a good and beautiful edition, with nice look, font, paper, etc. However, it should be made clear that Primrose not only edited the viola part but in fact "improved" it by adding a lot of embellishments to fit his virtuoso playing. Although they aren't exactly advanced level...

writing, they do depart from the early intermediate pedagogical purpose of many people who approach the Telemann concerto. I don't whose fault is it, however: the publisher's or the website's, but the edition *should* say "edited, with embellishments by William Primrose".

It's a great piece, but this edition is bad. The viola part has all of Primrose's markings spelled out and makes it look much more intimidating than the piece really is (I can't give this to my students!) The first movement is the worst in terms of...

excessive interpretation. the second and fourth (the faster movements) he didn't mess with as much. third movement also disappointing. never thought I'd say this, but I would prefer the International edition over this one.

I was about to purchase this when I realized that it was the edition with Primrose's personal embellishments. They are awful, and moreover, most competitions disallow them. Some of the changes are rather major. Avoid this at all costs unless you have not desire to play in a contest...

or to plan anything remotely similar to the actual Telemann concerto. I am an advanced viola student, and have played several different editions of this concerto. I recommend Suzuki's (Viola Book 4), or any Urtext.

One of the best piece I have played so far and this is only my fifth year playing a viola, I really love to play this over and over again.